Traffic Accidents in Massachusetts: When to Hire an Attorney
Traffic accidents are an unfortunate reality on Massachusetts roads. With its dense traffic, diverse weather conditions, and often unpredictable drivers, the Bay State sees its fair share of crashes, from minor fender-benders to serious collisions. If you’ve been involved in a traffic accident in Massachusetts, it’s essential to understand the legal landscape and know when it’s time to hire an attorney to protect your rights and ensure fair compensation.
Common Causes of Traffic Accidents
Massachusetts has a mix of urban, suburban, and rural roads, all with unique risks. Common causes of traffic accidents in the state include:
- Distracted Driving: Despite strict laws against texting while driving, distracted driving remains a leading cause of accidents. Drivers frequently take their attention off the road to check phones, adjust GPS, or engage in other activities.
- Speeding: With crowded streets, speeding can lead to dangerous accidents. Whether on the highways or city streets, exceeding the speed limit reduces reaction time and increases the severity of crashes.
- Driving Under the Influence (DUI): Alcohol and drugs impair judgment and reaction time, making drunk driving a serious problem on Massachusetts roads. The state’s stringent DUI laws aim to curb this dangerous behavior, but unfortunately, accidents still occur.
- Weather Conditions: New England weather is unpredictable, and icy, snowy, or rainy roads can cause accidents. Drivers often fail to adjust their driving habits for adverse conditions, leading to skidding or loss of control.
- Running Red Lights and Stop Signs: Many accidents in Massachusetts occur due to drivers failing to stop at traffic signals or stop signs. This type of reckless driving can cause devastating T-bone or side-impact collisions.
When Should You Hire an Attorney After a Traffic Accident?
While not all traffic accidents require legal representation, there are several scenarios where hiring an attorney can be crucial to protect your rights and secure compensation. Here are some key instances when you should consider consulting an attorney:
1. Severe Injuries or Long-Term Health Effects
If you or anyone involved in the accident has suffered severe injuries, such as broken bones, head trauma, spinal cord injuries, or internal injuries, you should hire an attorney immediately. Serious injuries can lead to costly medical bills, loss of income, and long-term care expenses. An attorney will help you understand your legal options, assess the full scope of damages, and negotiate with insurance companies for fair compensation.
2. Disputed Liability
In cases where fault for the accident is disputed, an attorney is essential. Massachusetts follows a comparative fault rule, meaning that even if you’re partially at fault for the accident, you may still be eligible for compensation. However, the percentage of fault assigned to you can significantly impact the amount you can recover. A lawyer can investigate the circumstances of the accident, collect evidence, and advocate for your interests in court, ensuring you aren’t unfairly blamed for the crash.
3. Insurance Issues
Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts, especially if the accident involves serious injuries or large claims. If you’re being offered a low settlement or your claim is being denied, a lawyer can negotiate on your behalf. Massachusetts requires drivers to carry personal injury protection (PIP) insurance, but if the injuries exceed the limits of your PIP coverage, an attorney can help pursue compensation from the at-fault driver’s insurance or in court.
4. Wrongful Death Claims
In the tragic event of a fatal traffic accident, families can pursue wrongful death claims. Hiring an attorney is crucial to navigating the legal complexities of these claims. An experienced lawyer can help determine liability, gather the necessary evidence, and ensure the family receives compensation for funeral expenses, loss of income, and emotional distress.
5. Uninsured or Underinsured Drivers
If the driver responsible for your accident doesn’t have insurance, or if their policy doesn’t cover the full extent of your damages, you may need to file a claim with your own insurance company or pursue a lawsuit. Massachusetts requires uninsured motorist coverage as part of the standard auto insurance policy, but this can be a complicated process. An attorney can help you understand your options and take the necessary legal steps.
6. Complex Accidents Involving Multiple Parties
In multi-car accidents, determining liability can be especially challenging. It may not be immediately clear who is at fault, and various drivers, passengers, and their insurance companies may be involved. An attorney can help sort through the complexities, ensure you receive fair compensation, and protect your interests when dealing with multiple parties.
Contact a Car Accident Attorney for Traffic Accidents
Traffic accidents are stressful and overwhelming, especially if you’re dealing with significant injuries or complicated insurance issues. Hiring an attorney can be a critical step in ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve. If you’ve been involved in an accident in Massachusetts, it’s important to reach out to a skilled attorney who can guide you through the legal process, advocate for your rights, and help you focus on recovery.
If you’re unsure whether you need an attorney, consider scheduling a free consultation. Most personal injury lawyers in Massachusetts offer no-cost initial consultations to assess the merits of your case. Don’t wait—acting quickly can help preserve important evidence and strengthen your case.
Disclaimer
The information contained in this blog is for general information purposes only. Bonville & Howard assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions in the contents of the blog.
In no event shall Bonville & Howard be liable for any special, direct, indirect, consequential, or incidental damages or any damages whatsoever, whether in an action of contract, negligence, or other tort, arising out of or in connection with the use of this blog or the contents of this blog. Bonville & Howard reserves the right to make additions, deletions, or modifications to the contents of this blog at any time without prior notice.